Harmonization of force-based design and displacement-based design according to the second generation of Eurocode 8 - Application to reinforced concrete shear walls

In seismic design, the traditional force-based approach, widely adopted in current standards, simplifies earthquake analysis by characterizing seismic effects through force distributions, relying on strong as-sumptions that may oversimplify the complex nature of earthquake-induced deformations. Conversely, displacement-based design is gaining prominence for its ability to accurately model structural responses to seismic forces by emphasizing deformations. This approach provides a more accurate repre-sentation of building behavior during earthquakes, thereby enhancing structural resilience and controlling deformations more effectively. The new generation of Eurocode 8 has significantly advanced the displacement-based approach by intro-ducing clear verification procedures to encourage engineers to adopt it. Simultaneously, new requirements have emerged for the force-based approach to ensure the structural safety of buildings subjected to seismic actions. In a world increasingly conscious of environmental impacts, optimizing material use in construction be-comes crucial. Therefore, thorough assessments of the necessity of these new requirements and their impact on material quantities are essential to prevent unnecessary material waste and ensure sustainable construction practices. This master’s thesis presents a final project aimed at advancing the second generation of Eurocode 8, focusing on harmonizing force-based and displacement-based design approaches, particularly within the context of reinforced concrete shear walls. The project explores various design methods with different reinforcement recommendations to ensure these methods do not excessively consume materials. The goal of this work is to contribute humbly to achieving consistent and coherent results between the force-based and displacement-based approaches.